Trouble using the MPX10GP when connecting it to my Arduino

[admin]

I am having trouble getting usable values from the MPX10GP when connecting it to my Arduino.  The values hover around 520 and can be influenced only 15 in either direction (analog values should range form 0-1023).  Does anyone know how to wire this up correctly or if I am doing something else wrong?

[TomasVaverka]

Hi,

The MPX10GP is of the differential output type with output voltage in the mV range. To read the output with any useful resolution, you will need to increase the gain of the MPX10GP using a differential amplifier. You can build one yourself (many circuits available online), but I would strongly recommend buying a single chip version of the most generally useful variety, called an "instrumentation amplifier".

TI makes a bunch of these in 8-pin DIPS and the only thing you need to do to set the gain is choose a gain resistor. For instance, the INA122 instrumentation amplifier is inexpensive, widely available and suitable for operation from a single +5V supply.

I hope it helps.

Regards,

Tomas